A local artist created a series of vibrant murals inside Lake County’s juvenile detention center in Vernon Hills aimed to inspire and uplift children held in custody.
19th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Shanes announced the completion of a series of “vibrant, meaningful” murals by renowned local artist Everett Reynolds at Lake County’s Hulse Juvenile Detention Center.
Court officials say the murals are conceptualized to inspire, uplift and reflect the voices of the youth. They are now complete in the detention center’s cafeteria and gymnasium.
Reynolds, recognized for his public artwork in Lake County, was chosen due to his strong community connections.
He collaborated with the youth by conducting focus groups to gather their ideas for the murals’ themes and imagery.
“Their input influenced every aspect of the project, from the inclusion of a cookie cake—a favorite treat—to depictions of gardening, sports, and family. The youth also assisted in painting the mural bases, and their quotes are featured on the cafeteria walls,” said Kasey Morgan, Assistant Director of Judicial Operations and Public Information Officer for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court.
The cafeteria mural, titled “Nourished,” explores themes of growth, connection and personal development.
It depicts a hand nurturing a seedling to symbolize new beginnings, a shared meal for community, sunflowers for positivity and a hummingbird to represent joy and freedom, Morgan said.
“These images reflect the Detention Center’s commitment to physical and emotional nourishment, self-expression, and balanced living,” she said.
Silhouettes of families, colorful landscapes and symbols of legacy — such as a grandparent and grandchild crafting together — highlight the importance of support systems and multi-generational connections inside the family cafeteria.
Lemons, symbolizing the fruits of labor and rewards of perseverance, complete the mural.
The “Legacy” mural in the gym honors Chicago’s athletic heritage with images of basketball legends Derrick Rose and Michael Jordan, a volleyball player, the Chicago skyline and Lake County symbols, including a Metra train and a lighthouse.
A rose growing from concrete serves as a metaphor for resilience and hope, Morgan said.
The project was made possible by support from the Illinois Arts Council with a $12,000 contribution and the Juvenile Redeploy Illinois Program through the Illinois Department of Human Services with a $6,000 contribution.
The Hulse Juvenile Detention Center provides temporary secure custody for juveniles charged with a delinquent act who have been determined to be at high risk of re-offending or likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court if released.
Morgan said only those who meet the strict criteria for detention are admitted.
Juveniles remain in detention only for the duration of the court process, unless they are released sooner by the court.
“When the court process is completed, most youth are released to their parents on probation or to another disposition the court may order, such as long-term residential treatment or the Department of Juvenile Justice. The youths’ adjustment while in secure detention is often used by the court to determine whether they can be adequately supervised upon return to the community,” Morgan added.